NURSERY workers are facing the heartbreaking task of throwing out treasured toys after floods ravaged their building.

Crowes Nest Day Nursery on Wrensfield Road, Stockton, still faces a massive clear-up operation after flood waters swept through their premises.

The nursery was forced to close last Tuesday after Lustrum Beck burst its banks and was only able reopen on Monday.

But since last Wednesday, staff have been working to clear the nursery after 1m-high flood waters left a trail of destruction.

Flooring, equipment - including two new computers - and many toys have been left ruined and staff are still busy sorting through piles to see if anything can be salvaged.

Cath Williams, deputy manager at the nursery, said: “This is the worst thing that has ever happened to the nursery and the worst flood we’ve seen. When we were able to come in it was heartbreaking to see. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Cath says its devastating that they now face the prospect of having to get rid of so much well-loved equipment.

She added: “Everything has been affected. It’s just awful. Obviously everything was at a low level for the children to use and so we’ve had to throw away a lot of equipment and toys.”

People have already kindly given some old toys to the nursery but Cath is now appealing for more people to donate any unwanted toys.